Wood Wall

Master Bath Shower - Tiled in Carrara Marble

Master Bath Floor - Carrara Marble to

match the Shower

We had electric heat mats installed under the tile to warm the floor on cold days.

The Stone Wall Work Continues

The Side Wall will help support the Steps and help 

with the Side Yard Grade

Trench for Side Retaining Wall

Squaring Off the Ends

Lining Up the First Course on Packed Gravel

On to the Second Course Using 10" TimberLOK Screws 

to Tie the Timbers Together.

The Two Dead Men Help Secure the Wall

Two Days, 15 - 100 Pound Plus Timbers and a Bunch Mud Retaining Wall

I took last week as a vacation week from work. The word “vacation” was the only part of it that was a vacation. But it was still a good one. I enjoy the break that working outside provides.

This week provided that. Most importantly, I was good and didn’t make the folks working on our house run for the hills. 

At the same time that I was asking them all kinds of questions, I managed to get a coat of paint on the shed’s trim work. Even though the wood was pre-primed, I used the primer and paint all in one combo from Valspar figuring a second coat of primer couldn’t hurt. I’m not sure I would use the combo again. I don’t know if it was the brand or what it was, but it went on like thick wallpaper paste. While the coverage was good, it was just difficult to apply smoothly. But check goes that assignment box.

After I completed the painting, I started on building a retaining wall on the side of the garage. Along the way we plan on adding a fence and I’ll need an 8’ gate to fit my trailer through. However, there is enough of a slope on that side that I needed to step down the grade by using a retaining wall. Once done, we’ll be adding a pathway along the top leading to the back yard.

My wall, made out of pressure treated 6x6’s, is not as elegant as the stone work going on near the side entrance, but it kept me busy and out of everyone’s hair.

Henry (Pereira Brothers) took care of cutting into the hill with his equipment and I went to work. First it was setting a good base of gravel to keep the timbers level and prevent them from sinking. Setting the first course has got to be the hardest part. Everything has to be level, plumb and straight or else all of the other courses will be off.

The timbers are heavy and moving them around by my self was difficult to put it lightly. My back was beat, my muscles ached and as I worked I swore that next time I’d hire someone half my age to build one. It took two days with the second day working in the pouring rain and resulting mud but I got it done.  What’s next?

Enjoy your week.